THE number of crimes in St Albans is tumbling, with latest statistics showing a 16.2 per cent drop over the last year.

A spokesman for Herts Police said the number of crimes committed in the district dropped from 6,612 offences in 2011/12 to 5,543 in 2012/13.

He said it was one of the largest falls in Herts – Three Rivers recorded a decrease of 20 per cent.

The results have been hailed by Chief Constable Andy Bliss who warned: “If you are thinking of committing a crime in Herts you should also be thinking of carrying your toothbrush as the chance of you spending a night in one of our cells is ever increasing!”

Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May visited the county last week (pictured) as the Government released national crime statistics showing that local crime levels were well below national levels, and overall crime in Herts was falling.

County-wide, recorded crime fell by 15 per cent – nationally recorded crime fell by seven per cent.

Herts Police crime detection rates increased from 35 to 39 per cent in 2012/13 compared to 29 per cent nationally and crime rates were 47 per 1,000 people compared to 66 per 1,000 nationally.

The PM met Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd and CC Bliss to learn more about local policing. CC Bliss paid tribute to local police for helping St Albans become a safer place and said the PM’s visit was a tremendous accolade for local crime-fighters.